I feel undermotivated, underrated and underutilized and lack the sense of belongingness working in a big company as a contractor even if the billing rate is good. Had I been full time I would feel much more committed.
Didnt like it when I was a contractor. Can't say it was lack of scope, just the constant push to prove myself. There's a place for contract work, whether it's a finite engagement or contract to hire. Dont think I would put up with it again by choice now that have more years of experience.
As a contractor I felt better than FTE, more engaged, less bureaucracy, no oncall
In my experience, being a contractor VS being a FTE is relative based on a few factors. 1 - Host Company: What is the culture? What is the % of contractors? When cuts need to be made to the contractor population, what kind of communication occurs and how much lead time is provided? 2 - Your outlook and perception. Also, and often overlooked, your adaptability. Those who fully adapt to the contracting world take advantage of a huge variety of tax benefits. 3 - The recruiting firm who places you. They say you should interview the company when the company interviews you. This should also stay true when head hunters come to call. Who your recruiting firm is when you're a contractor can make a big difference.
What do you mean "huge variety of tax benefits"? There's a higher obligation to SE tax/insurance as far as I understood . What'd I miss?
As a contractor, you can set up your own corporation. Most companies have no issue doing Corp to Corp with contractors. Once you have incorporated, a good accountant could possibly reduce your overall yearly taxes. Example: 30% down to 12-15%. From that point, your write-offs span across every major aspect: insurance, travel, equipment, etc... It does mean being adaptable though, you need to set aside $ to cover your taxes since they will not be taken out of each pay check. But would you rather pay 30% over 26 pay periods or 12-15% in one lump sum?
Agree! I hope I never contract again. The no benefits, not the same perks as the people you sit next to really stinks. And, how can you be motivated when a company wants to just 'try you out?' #thanksbutnothanks
No way. I was taking to a contract recruiter and the guy is killing it. Making bank then taking 3 months off. Guys taking vacations the rest of of dream about.
Depends on what the culture is like at the company. At some companies, contractors are knights in shining armor. In others they are basically interns
Agreed. if you are good, people will be happy to take u in.
Absolutely untrue. I was a top performing contractor in another org where everyone but the director wanted to hire me. The director firmly believed in he dash trash movement and didn't even consider me for my own role being converted to FTE. Immediately applied to my current team and have been a FTE with a promotion on the first year and key talent awards. No, I'm not showing off - just proving a point - politics, budgets, locations, personal beliefs, reorganizations and whatnot plays a role in a potential hiring decision before the contractor's skills.